Page 69 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘No, nothing like that,’ said Tori, quickly, ‘Do you remember I told you I’d entered Nate for that local business award—’
‘Yes!’
‘Well, he’s made the shortlist, he’s down to the final four!’
‘No way!’ gasped Bea, ‘that’s amazing. I bet he’s thrilled—’
‘I haven’t actually told him yet,’ said Tori, sheepishly.
‘Why not?’ asked Bea, confused.
‘What if he’s annoyed that I entered him, you know, behind his back?’
‘Annoyed?’ said Bea, wrinkling her forehead. ‘Why would he be annoyed? It’s recognition for all his hard work, isn’t it?’
‘I hope you’re right. There’s a swanky awards ceremony in Brighton. Black tie, the works. I’m not sure if it’s his scene, and if he wins he’ll have to make a speech—’
‘Oh, crikey!’ said Bea, shaking her head, doubtful that Nathan even owned a pair of smart trousers, let alone a suit. ‘Listen, I’m sure it’ll be fine, he’ll be over the moon.’
‘Well,’ said Tori, nodding towards the window where Nathan could be seen outside unloading his truck. ‘He’s here, so I hope you’re right…’
‘Hey, Nate,’ said Bea, opening the door to help him with the boxes.
‘Cheers,’ he said gratefully. ‘I’ll just drop these, and I’ve got a few more in the truck, Tori.’
‘Great, thanks, Nate,’ Tori replied. ‘I’ve got something to tell you,’ she added, as Nathan hauled the heaviest box onto the counter.
‘Oh yeah, what?’ he asked.
‘You’ve been shortlisted in the East Sussex Business awards: Best Local Food Supplier,’ said Bea, with a little whoop of delight.
‘How? I haven’t entered any awards—’
‘Ah, that’s because I entered you…’ said Tori with a shy smile.
‘You did?’ said Nathan.
‘You’ve got such a great product, Nate, so I spoke to some of the other places you supply and a few of us got together and nominated you,’ Tori explained.
‘Well, I…’ said Nathan.
‘And now you’ve made the shortlist, isn’t that amazing?’ said Bea, giving him a hug.
‘Yeah, I suppose it is. Thanks, Tori, that’s really kind of you,’ said Nathan, processing the news.
‘There’s only four finalists in your category,’ Tori explained. ‘And the winner will be announced at a dinner in Brighton at the Grand Hotel; you’re going to get a letter with all the details apparently.’
‘Yeah and it sounds pretty posh, too, black tie and everything—’ Bea said.
‘I won’t have to make a speech, will I?’ asked Nathan, looking horrified.
‘Well, yeah, if you win—’ said Tori.
‘Oh, God,’ cringed Nathan, screwing up his face, ‘I’m terrible at that kind of stuff.’
‘I can help you write it if you like? You’ll be fine,’ said Bea, reassuringly.
‘That would be great, thanks,’ said Nathan, visibly relieved.
